"Yes I did. My Terran parents lived in Toledo, Ohio. I went to the university in Chicago where I graduated with a degree in History." Dani said.
Melissa nodded. "We were in Europe - I studied Literature, but I didn't finish the degree. We got homesick." She shrugged and grinned. "What brought you here then?" Her hand flew up to her mouth in chagrin. "I'm sorry - that's terribly nosey of me." She wasn't very good at idle conversation with people she didn't know very well. Usually Morgana had always been the outgoing one, taking the lead in situations like this one. She had always said just the right thing.
Danette laughed. "It's all right." She took a breath. "My adopted parents sent me here for my birthday to discover my true heritiage." Dani smiled. She felt more at home here then on Terra.....
Melissa looked at Dani, sensing something - was it regret? Sadness? She nodded. "That must have been hard for them - and you," she said softly.
Dani sighed. It had been hard on her at first, but it was getting easier. "I think what made all this easier to accept was that I wasn't seen as an outsider because of my gifts".
Melissa nodded glumly. "Tell that to Kay..." She said with a wry grin.
Dani groaned. "She's not going to be happy when she finds out that I am those peope. Life will be easier when she accepts her gifts....". She was waiting for the fireworks when Kay found out.
Melissa nodded. "Well hopefully we can convince her to get some help before it gets out of control. She certainly didn't look good."
Dani let out a small wry laugh, realizing how odd this all must seem to Kay. "This must be rough on her. Imagine finding out that you have cousins all over the place! As a matter of fact I think you're a cousin too."
Melissa chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised - the Ridenows are so widespread, I think we probably have blood relations in just about every family, Comyn or not!"
Dani smiled. "I wouldn't doubt it. I did some family research and I think that my great aunt on my father's side was a Ridenow."
They drew up to the gates of the castle, and after nodding to the guards posted there, were finally home. Melissa realized with some surprise that all she could think about was a snack and a nap. She was so tired! Clearly she wasn't used to matrix work like that. A huge yawn made her laugh, and she shook her head. "I'm sorry. I am more tired than I thought. I hope Katie's OK. She did more work than I did." Another yawn. "Oh dear..."
Dani looked her new friend over with a critical eye. "I hope that she is too, but only time will tell. You should rest and eat. When you have recovered, we can talk more. Maybe I can get Connor to take a look at Kay."
Melissa laughed. "Connor...is that your cousin? I am sure that's just what Kay wants - another 'sorceror' to gawk at her...". That was the politest way that she could think of to phrase things.
Dani laughed. "You might say that. He's my freemate and the Underkeeper of Arlinin Tower". She knew that Kay would not be pleased in the least if she knew who he was. But if she first introduced him WITHOUT mentioning his position, perhaps Kay would give up that silly superstition of hers. Demon-spawn-of-Zandru Keepers being allowed to overshadow everyone in their Tower ? Even the idea of it made her want to giggle. It was just too ridiculous to be possible. But then again, Dani knew Connor and some of the other people who lived in one of the Towers. But, except for Katie, Kay didn't know any of them -- and THAT was a large part of the problem.
Melissa stopped at the main stairs that lead to the family suites. "It's nice to have met you - may I call you Dani? If there's any news of Kay, or if you need anything that I can be of help with, please don't hesitate to contact me", said Melissa.
Then she headed up to the Haldar Suites, where the maid had just put out a tray of snacks and tea. Melissa's eyes gleamed at the sight, and she smiled. "Why ... how did you know I would be coming in just now?", she asked, delighted.
The young maid blushed and shrugged self-consciously. "I just had a feeling you would be back soon - you had been gone for most of the day, but you weren't dressed for riding or being outdoors for long..."
Melissa nodded, impressed. "Well I appreciate this more than you know. Please help yourself, too. Even as hungry as I am, there's more than enough for me here!" She grinned and heaped a small plate high with treats, and poured herself some tea, taking everything into her room. First a snack, she thought, and then a nice long nap...
Before she realized it, she had fallen asleep in the chair just after finishing eating.